Break out the high-waisted shorts, bucket hats and CamelBaks because Music Festival season is upon us.
I, myself, am a huge advocate for music festivals. I think the idea of paying a set amount for a general admission ticket to see multiple artists is the smartest way to spend what little money us college kids have.
Of course, you have your big festivals that everyone gets all Instagram-crazy about (like Coachella and Bonnaroo), but prices for experiences like those can add up fast.
If you’re looking to stay fairly close to Peoria and not hurt your wallet too much, these are the music festivals for you.
Lollapalooza
The largest music festival in the Midwest is Lollapalooza. Headliners this year include The Killers, Foster the People, Migos and Big Sean. The festival is located in Chicago’s Grant Park and will be held Aug. 3 to 6. If you want to jump right into the mosh pit to top all festivals, this isn’t a bad one to start off with. Tickets for all four days started at $335, while one day passes are $120.
Summerfest
If you are more of a “dip your toe in the music festival water” type of person, Summerfest in Milwaukee provides a great concert/festival vibe. Summerfest lasts 11 days, and some big names this year include The Chainsmokers, Zac Brown Band, Future, Luke Bryan and Red Hot Chili Peppers. This year, the 11-day festival will start June 28 and end July 9. Tickets for the big names are sold separately, but general admission tickets run for only $19.
Summer Set
If you’re a resident of northern Wisconsin or Minnesota, Summer Set is the music festival for you. Though this year’s lineup has yet to be released, some of last year’s performers include Fetty Wap, Skrillex, Chance the Rapper and Bassnectar. Three-day passes are around $200 depending on when you get them, but they also come with a spot at a campsite for the real experience. The festival takes place Aug. 11 to 13 and is rumored to be better this year than it’s ever been.
Country Thunder
If you’ve been waiting since last summer to break out your “jorts” (jeans that are now shorts), and your cowboy boots haven’t seen much action lately, then Country Thunder tickets are going to be your best purchase of the summer. Some of this years headliners include Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Cam and many more big names in the world of tractors and beer. This four day fest takes place in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and though a four day pass sounds cheap compared to the other festivals at only $160, camping isn’t included.
Nelly
A final option for the student staying in good ol’ Peoria this summer looking to listen to some live music, is a throwback concert on the Riverfront. Nelly, that’s right, “Ride Wit Me,” “Country Grammer,” “Hot in Herre,” NELLY, is going to be performing May 20 at 8 p.m. so dust off your “Air force One’s” because this is not going to be a show to miss.
